Perhaps a star helmet hides more than just protection. It might conceal a story. This is the story of Ogenji, also known as Yugenji temple. It stands as a testament to time and faith in Tokyo’s Adachi ward.
Ogenji is one of Adachi’s two Ji sect temples. Nishijimasan Senun-in Ogen-ji is another name for it. History says it was once a Tendai sect temple. A top disciple of Ippen Shonin converted it to the Ji sect. Ippen Shonin founded the Ji sect.
The main statue is Amida Nyorai. Kannon Bosatsu and Seishi Bosatsu stand on each side. They flank Amida Nyorai.
Ogenji boasts Adachi’s oldest temple gate. It was built in 1637. Two stone lanterns bear engravings from 1654. The city’s oldest death register is here too. These are all registered as Adachi cultural properties.
In May 1879 something special was discovered. It was on the site of the old temple area. A sutra mound appeared to be from the Muromachi period. A cylindrical sutra container was unearthed. Also found were Gokorei bell and old Chinese coins. A Kabutobachi helmet was found too. People think it was made in the late Heian period.
The helmet has a star mark. So it’s called a star helmet. The Tokyo National Museum now owns it.
Legend says Ogenji was a Tendai sect temple first. Yugenji Hachimantaro Yoshiie gave ink and a temple territory seal.
To reach Ogenji Temple, use these lines. Take the Tobu Isesaki Line to Takenotsuka Station. Or use the Nippori-Toneri Liner to Toneri-koen Station, Yazaike Station or Kumanomae Station. The temple’s address is 2-3-3, Adachi-ku, Tokyo. The phone number is 03-3855-3304.
Ogenji invites you to discover its treasures. Explore its history. Find peace within its walls.